Top 4 DIFM Website Builders Compared

February 13, 2017

Popular website builders like Wix and Strikingly have made it simple to drag and drop all the way to web-design perfection, even if you don’t have much experience.

But if you want to build a site that can compete in a competitive ecommerce market or just stand out from the millions of other DIY sites out there, it still helps to call on a professional. Thankfully, many website builders are now offering DIFM (Do-It-For-Me) services that can really bring your unique vision to life and give the site the edge that you’re looking for. Consider a few of the more popular options.

1. Web.com - Great Choice for Best SEO Rankings

Web.com is the Big Kahuna of DIFM website builders. Plans start at $114.95, and while that may sound high, consider that there are no up-front costs to build a website (some platforms charge thousands of dollars up front), and their monthly plan includes ongoing maintenance. Not only will they create a beautiful, functional, and mobile-friendly website, but the site will have the potential for higher search engine rankings thanks to the company’s commitment to SEO best practices. Other benefits include Google Local setup, a variety of tracking tools, and 24/7 phone support.

If you’re willing to invest a bit more in your site, Web.com can provide custom copy, images, and even off-site marketing for an additional rate. Whether the base rate or a custom plan is the right choice, Web.com can provide a fully customized site in as little as eight days.

2. Register.com - The Way to Go for Quick & Simple

If the pricing and features of Web.com is right, but you still want the freedom to edit and maintain the site using the simplest editor possible, definitely check out Register.com. Register.com is actually a subsidiary of Web.com, and the pricing and features for a DIFM web build are identical. There is one key difference, though: The Register.com website editor is more streamlined and much easier to use. So, when there are changes to be made or updates on the fly, the job gets done with a couple of clicks.

Think of “Web.com vs. Register.com” as being comparable to “Adobe Photoshop vs. Microsoft Paint.” Photoshop has far more menus, submenus, and navigations to help make every kind of adjustment imaginable, and Paint just uses a few simple buttons to help make the most important edits without having to learn the finer points of graphic design. If the Paint approach is preferred, you’ll love the simplicity of Register.com.

3. Weebly - Just Right If You Can Go It Alone

If you’re willing to pay more up front and potentially save money over the long term, consider Weebly. Weebly offers straightforward pricing to accommodate different needs:

For $599, they will build a personal website with up to 3 pages. This plan is ideal for personal websites and small lead-generating businesses, but it doesn’t allow for any kind of ecommerce setup.

For $999, they will build a business website with up to 10 pages. This can include up to 10 ecommerce products complete with checkout.

For $2,499, they will build an ecommerce website with up to 3 basic pages and 50 product pages.

Once the site is completed and approved, the maintenance becomes your responsibility. Signing up for a Pro ($12 per month) or Business ($25 per month) plan is a must in order to maintain your hosting and web building capabilities, and you’ll have to use their DIY website editor to make additional, ongoing changes to your site unless you pay for additional DIFM services.

Members do have access to a community forum, live chat, email support, and phone support, but live help is only available between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. (Pacific Time) on weekdays, and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. If you’re just looking for a quality custom web build that you can then take control over, Weebly offers a tremendous value.

4. BigCommerce - Perfect Choice If You've Got a Full Plate

BigCommerce is considered one of the best web-building and content management services for ecommerce businesses. The editor is simple to use even when managing thousands of products, and their inventory management tools are on another level. The company offers phone, email, and chat support 24 hours a day, and their Ecommerce Apps Marketplace makes it easy to personalize your site with every kind of customization imaginable.

While BigCommerce does not (as of this writing) have an integrated DIFM package, they do have a Partner Services program that can connect with thousands of third-party designers, developers, SEOs, and marketing experts. This is both good news and bad news. On the one hand, it means that purchasing a separate package from a separate expert or agency will be necessary. On the other hand, it means that you’re not locked into a single rate for web design and development. You can compare your options and choose the plan that works best for your budget and needs.

All BigCommerce Partners are carefully vetted and rated, and they’re required to endure an exhaustive approval process, so have complete confidence in their skills and reliability.

No DIFM Website Builder Is Right for Everyone

Hopefully, these summaries have helped to clear thing up when it comes to the pros and cons of some of the major DIFM website builders. If you’re seeking a simple, affordable solution that provides ongoing maintenance and the freedom to make changes, check out Web.com. If you’re looking for a one-time web build after which you can take the reins and maintain full control over your site, you won’t do better than Weebly. For serious ecommerce professionals, BigCommerce remains an industry leader for good reason.

Register.com, Web.com, Weebly, and BigCommerce all have excellent options for when in need of a pro to build a website. Choosing the right platform just boils down to individual needs and budget. To learn more, compare the top 10 website builders​.

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Chris Scalise

Chris Scalise has worked with major website builders since the early days of Adobe PageMill. For more than a decade, he has been addressing the web building and content management needs of leading online businesses like Coalition Technologies and Opposing Views. In his spare time, he reviews website design and creation.